Riders like Emmanuel Jones didn't even know there were cycling restrictions in the business district, or that they come with a $5 fine for violations.

"I asked (a police officer) 'why you pull me over?' and he said 'you got your bike on the sidewalk,' and I didn't know it was a real law that you couldn't do that because you see it so often," Jones said.

On Tuesday, legal and legislation committee members continued the conversation about improving sidewalks for everyone during the third hearing on the topic. City leaders unanimously voted for a policy change that includes a new fine of $25 for a first time violation. The revisions will now be reviewed by the full city council this fall.

"The policy recommendation is that bikes be allowed on sidewalks unless it's posted that they can't be ... and where it can't be, we'll start with downtown and look at that, and probably move out to the suburbs from there," said councilman Jay Schenirer.

Hilary Abramson crashed into a cyclist last year, leaving her with a fractured femur, pelvis and a new passion.

"To me, bikes shouldn't be on any sidewalks," Abramson said. "I see accidents ready to happen every day." Abramson filed a claim with the city following the incident and is eager to see better enforcement.

Cyclists like Blakeley Loyola said she feels safer riding on the sidewalk versus the road.

"I don't think drivers get to see me because my bicycle is a lot lower compared to someone who's over 5 feet because I'm 4-foot-11-and-a-half," said Loyola.

The sidewalk is the path for many cyclists to avoid potential car collisions.

"The reason they're seeing this behavior is not because there's a problem with our ordinance, but because there's a problem with our streets," said Jim Brown, executive director with the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates.